Derby have struggled without a striker, but Darren Bent returned in their most recent fixture and that will be a major boost for the side.

They also have a run of fixtures against some of the lower placed teams in the Championshp coming up and if they can prove their class then it wouldn't too surprising to see Derby competing for a top-two place again come May, considering they are still only five points away.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.